April showers don't bother StoryBook Theater's A Little Mermaid. She is used to being wet--but she dreams of dancing on dry land. Walking and talking aren't easy for a little mermaid and she is determined to trade in her tail for legs. In this original StoryBook Theater version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, the audience will decide whether the Little Mermaid should keep her legs or high-tail it back to the sea. A Little Mermaid will visit Renton , Kirkland and Seattle tonight, April 28 through May 20for a total of 19 performances.

With an eye toward introducing the very youngest theater audiences to the magic and wonder of musical theater, StoryBook Theater's professional all-local adult cast will travel the region to present this 55-minute musical production (geared toward 3-10-year olds). Tickets to A Little Mermaid are $10 for all patrons over 1 year of age.

This Spring, on Studio East's Mainstage, dozens of talented performing arts students will present both Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Disney's My Son Pinocchio. Geared for youth ages 9 and over, Much Ado About Nothing is Shakespeare's hilarious comedy about love and relationships. It focuses on two couples: Claudio and Hero, a promised couple who must overcome obstacles before they can wed, and Beatrice and Benedick, long-time verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles who haven't yet realized they love each other. Studio East's production of Disney's My Son Pinocchio is suitable for children age five and over. It's the classic tale of an aging toymaker and his puppet, Pinocchio. Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz adds a compelling score of original songs to the beloved classics "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings." The Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters join Geppetto in a journey beyond the Toy Shop to discover what makes the "perfect child."

Much Ado About Nothing runs May 4-6. Tickets are $14 or $12 for youth/seniors.